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Description
Ambelania Acida, also known as the “Sour Guava,” is a small tropical tree that belongs to the family of Phyllanthaceae. It is native to South and Central America but has spread to other parts of the world, including Florida, the Caribbean, and tropical Africa. The tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a dense, rounded crown. The tree bears small, yellow, and fragrant flowers that bloom throughout the year. These flowers develop into small, edible fruits that are acidic and have a sour taste. The fruits are about 1.5 inches long and have a greenish-yellow color when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus | Ambelania |
Appearance
Ambelania Acida has a thin, grayish-brown bark that peels off in small flakes. The leaves are oblong, about 3-6 inches long, and have a dark green color. The tree produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year, and these flowers develop into small, edible fruits that are about 1.5 inches long.
Care Guide
Water: Ambelania Acida prefers well-draining soil, and the tree should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 months during the growing season. Soil: The tree prefers fertile, well-draining soil. Sunlight: Ambelania Acida prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ambelania Acida is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining.
Habitat
Ambelania Acida is native to South and Central America but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Florida, the Caribbean, and tropical Africa. The tree grows in subtropical and tropical climates and prefers well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ambelania Acida be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground. Q: How often should I fertilize Ambelania Acida?
A: Fertilize the tree every 3-4 months during the growing season. Q: Is Ambelania Acida drought-tolerant?
A: No, the tree prefers moist soil and is not drought-tolerant. Q: How often should I water Ambelania Acida?
A: Water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Ambelania occidentalis
- Ambelania stenophylla
- Ambelania grandifolia
References
- “Ambelania Acida.” Floridata. Accessed September 4, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/338.
- “Ambelania Acida.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 4, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/80532/.
- Orwa, C., A. Mutua, R. Kindt, R. Jamnadass, and S. Anthony. “Ambelania Acida.” Agroforestry Database 4.0. Accessed September 4, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Ambelania_acida.PDF.
